5 things P&O Cruises does well—and 1 it doesn’t

P&O Cruises suits British travelers who want a holiday that starts at Southampton and feels familiar on board: families on the big ships, couples and groups of friends, and first-time cruisers who want British food, entertainment and service. Adults who prefer a calmer, child-free ship can choose Aurora or Arcadia.

This assessment looks at the product and its fit for different travelers. The strengths are reasons to consider the line, rather than a promise that every guest will value them equally. Ship details and fare terms still matter.

1. An easy start for many British guests

Southampton departures let travelers begin a holiday without flying overseas. That can simplify luggage and family travel. Compare the full schedule, since the first sea days are part of the trip and should be something guests are happy to enjoy.

2. A familiar British onboard style

Pubs, menus and entertainment aimed at British travelers give the line a clear identity. Guests who value that familiar atmosphere have a practical reason to choose it. The appeal comes from the daily experience as much as from the route or the ship's size.

3. Different ships for families and adults

Large family ships and adults-only alternatives let guests choose the environment they want. That is more useful than assuming one cruise line has a single age profile. Confirm the ship's current policy and compare its facilities for the people who will travel.

4. Covered social space on newer ships

SkyDome venues on applicable ships provide a focal point beyond an exposed pool deck. That matters on departures beginning in cooler weather. It is a ship-specific benefit, so guests should check the vessel rather than expect the same space across the whole fleet.

5. A range of cabin and ship choices

The fleet includes different sizes and generations of ships. Travelers can choose a busier modern setting or a more traditional routine. Compare the attractions, dining and cabin layout you will actually use before deciding that the newest vessel is necessarily the best fit.

The drawback: It does not put warm-weather ports close to Southampton

A no-fly voyage south requires time at sea before reaching the main holiday region. Guests who want nearly every day in the Mediterranean or Caribbean may prefer a fly-cruise. Check the balance of sea days and port days rather than judging the trip only by its destination list.

Before you book

Before choosing a departure, compare the cabin plan, the balance of sea days and port days, and the facilities on the named ship. Add the extras your party would actually use. A lower base fare is useful only if the complete holiday still fits the budget and the people traveling.

The cruise format

The ships are designed around British tastes, with pubs, menus created with British chefs and a Union flag painted on the bow since 2014. The large family ships have pools, teen areas and glass-roofed SkyDome venues, while Aurora and Arcadia offer a quieter adults-only alternative.

Sources

Cruise Frog’s P&O Cruises profile; official cruise line information.

Editorial assessment of published product information; no firsthand sailing experience is claimed. Ship features, inclusions and departure programs vary. Updated October 14, 2026.

Photo credit

Arvia leaving Marseille, France, April 2023. Photo: Gérard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Original source. Image license. The image is cropped and resized for this page. The adapted image is distributed under the same license.